Whiting advises Assen makes minor changes to host F1

Formula 1 race director Charlie Whiting has recommended minor changes required to the Assen TT circuit for it to potentially secure a future Dutch Grand Prix.

Whiting has suggested adding new kerbs, guardrails and Tecpro barriers at key points around the track but insisted no major circuit alterations would be required to see Assen host F1. Crash.net reported in December Assen had been lining up a move to secure the return of the Dutch Grand Prix on the F1 calendar with Liberty Media eager to act upon Max Verstappen’s rise and popularity in F1.

Assen bosses have underlined any development plans would only be made without altering the circuit in a way which would negatively impact the Dutch MotoGP. The Dutch circuit currently holds an FIA Grade 2 licence but would require Grade 1 to host F1. In December, it was confirmed Assen has passed initial computer simulations assessing the track’s suitability in terms of layout, width and safety standards to host an F1 race.

Neighbouring F1 races in Belgium and Austria heralded impressive fan attendance increases in 2017 on the previous year – Spa-Francorchamps enjoying a 11.8% rise and the Red Bull Ring a massive 41.4% - boosted by Verstappen’s fans travelling from across the Benelux region.

F1 commercial boss Sean Bratches has recently visited the country to discuss the opportunity of a Dutch race but interest was muted in potential city street races in both Amsterdam and Rotterdam.